Fan-carving is the process of slicing wood into thin blades (feathers) and then twisting and interlocking them to create a 3-dimensional design from one piece of wood. Fans and birds are the most popular items made. Legends and customs associated with the fan bird are of a religious and spiritual nature. With the help of European museums, the Nyes have traced the history and migration of this Old World folk art from the ancient Russian region, through Europe, to North America. Preserving this folk art is the purpose of this book. It contains easy to follow step-by-step instructions on how to make fans and birds. Full color photos accompany each step. Also included are six full-scale templates: a fan, plus five birds. This book contains a comprehensive chart of twelve species of wood, each evaluated for its performance. Fan-carving is an entry level project to woodcarving. Within three hours a novice can create a very respectable bird. The story about fan-carving is as interesting as making a bird.

Take an exciting journey into printing with custom-carved stamps! In this complete stamp-carving workshop, Julie Fei-Fan Balzer covers every aspect of creating and using rubber stamps, including carving linear and curved designs, alphabets, complex and repeating geometrical shapes, and image transfers. After carving your own unique stamps, you'll also learn: • How to combine and layer stamps into original designs. • How to design stamps that work together as well as individually. • How to create stamps that combine with or enhance other stamps (hand carved or commercial). • And how to create complex, layered effects that resemble screen printing. This book also includes simple projects that explore various applications for stamping, including printing on different surfaces such as fabric, leather, paper, and canvas. Find your "authentic" design voice and get carving today!

Artists around the world have lately been turning to their bookshelves for more than just a good read, opting to cut, paint, carve, stitch or otherwise transform the printed page into whole new beautiful, thought-provoking works of art. Art Made from Books is the definitive guide to this compelling art form, showcasing groundbreaking work by today's most showstopping practitioners. From Su Blackwell's whimsical pop-up landscapes to the stacked-book sculptures of Kylie Stillman, each portfolio celebrates the incredible creative diversity of the medium. A preface by pioneering artist Brian Dettmer and an introduction by design critic Alyson Kuhn round out the collection.

Profusely illustrated guide to carving realistic and stylized birds: fantail birds, comic caricatures, bird totems, fetishes, dance masks, many more. Over 300 drawings and photos. Tips on tools, woods, pitfalls, finishing techniques.

The Handcarved Bowl provides step-by-step photos and directions for every stage of the bowlcarving process that will appeal to everyone from beginning woodworkers to seasoned carvers. Carving wooden bowls by hand may appear to be just a romantic notion (don't worry, it's that too), but there's also lots to learn about this natural material and unique process that will be undoubtedly serve you for every future woodworking project, no matter the tools or methods used. Bowl carving gives unparalleled insight to the basic properties of wood behavior, intimate knowledge of how tool edges interact with different grain, and the importance of learning to reframe failure as one of the keys of building deep understanding. The Handcarved Bowl is the beginning of many projects, not just the three designs outlined here in step-by-step instructions, and both seasoned woodworkers and beginners alike will find the inherent value of carving using these methods. Along the way you'll learn tips and tricks that will keep you safe, help you make informed decisions about your own designs, and give you the confidence to take your work in any direction you'd like.

In 'History of the Fan' by G. Woolliscroft Rhead, readers are taken on a fascinating journey through the cultural and historical significance of fans. This detailed account explores the evolution of fans from practical tools to symbols of status and fashion, illuminating their significance in various societies. Rhead's writing style is engaging and informative, making this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in the social history of everyday objects. The author's meticulous research and attention to detail provide a comprehensive overview of the fan's role in different cultures and time periods. G. Woolliscroft Rhead, a renowned expert in decorative arts and material culture, brings his expertise to 'History of the Fan' by delving into the rich history and symbolism of this often overlooked accessory. Rhead's extensive knowledge and passion for the subject shine through in his meticulous exploration of the fan's evolution and cultural significance. I highly recommend 'History of the Fan' to readers interested in cultural history, decorative arts, or fashion studies. Rhead's thorough examination of this everyday object sheds light on its often overlooked importance and provides valuable insights into the social and cultural dynamics surrounding it.